Removal of Agricultural Occupancy Condition Granted by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Certificate of Lawfulness from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council confirming that an agricultural occupancy condition imposed in 1988 had been breached continuously for over ten years, releasing a Green Belt property in Surrey from its agricultural tie.
COL APPROVALSREIGATE AND BANSTEADSURREYGREEN BELT APPROVALS
Andrew Ransome
7/24/20262 min read
In 2025, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council issued a Certificate of Lawfulness confirming that an agricultural occupancy condition attached to a Green Belt property near Reigate had been breached continuously for over ten years.
Removing the agricultural tie and significantly enhancing the property's value and marketability.
Agricultural Tie Removed in Surrey
I secured a Certificate of Lawfulness from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council confirming that an agricultural occupancy condition imposed in 1988 had been continuously breached for a period exceeding ten years.
The property — an extended detached bungalow set within a generous plot on Green Belt land near Reigate — was originally granted planning permission subject to a strict condition limiting occupation to persons employed in agriculture or forestry.
Agricultural occupancy conditions — often called agricultural ties — significantly restrict the marketability and value of rural properties.
They mean the dwelling can only be occupied by qualifying agricultural workers or their dependants.
Where a condition has been breached and no enforcement action has been taken for ten years, the breach becomes immune from enforcement under Section 171B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
The evidence required must demonstrate a continuous breach for the full decade.
I assembled a comprehensive evidence package from the client demonstrating that non-agricultural occupiers had lived at the property continuously for well in excess of ten years.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council accepted the evidence and issued the Certificate, effectively releasing the property from its agricultural tie.
Planning Application Advice
If your rural property is subject to an agricultural occupancy condition and you believe it has been breached for over ten years, a Certificate of Lawfulness may be the right route to have the condition formally removed. Contact me to discuss your situation.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
Certificate of Lawfulness Successes
Permitted Development Information
Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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